1st XI
Matches
Tue 21 Oct 2014  ·  Ryman Premier
Wingate & Finchley
0
2
Metropolitan Police FC
1st XI
M Charles (27'), J Knight (88')
First away win of season at Wingate & Finchley for Met

First away win of season at Wingate & Finchley for Met

Graham Wettone22 Oct 2014 - 09:16
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Outstanding performance by the Blues to consolidate their 5th position in the League. Pictured is Jack Knight who scored his first senior goal

Jim Coopers high flying side consolidated their 5th place in the League by winning their game in hand and securing their first away win of the season at Wingate & Finchley. Jim had six players missing on Saturday for the draw at home to Dulwich and was pleased to welcome a few back last night. Tyron Smith came straight back into the starting eleven as did James Aldred and Reece Hall was on the bench. The downside was Charlie Collins was missing through illness and we did pick up a couple of injuries during this game, but this was a proficient team performance against a good side.
The home side had the better of the opening exchanges and had a great chance after 11 minutes with a dangerous looking cross into the Met six yard box, but Steve Sutherland was at his best to nip in front of the forward and clear the danger. Once again this whole performance was built on a solid defensive display with Steve Sutherland and Rob Bartley very impressive at the heart of the defence. They were more than ably supported by skipper Will Salmon back in his preferred right back spot & James Aldred back in the side at left back.
The Met looked like they had taken the lead after 20 minutes when Bradley Hudson-Odoi broke down the left & cut inside the home penalty area and onto his right foot. The goal looked to be beckoning as he smashed a right foot shot and the net rippled which caused many in the distant main stand to think the Met had scored. Sadly it was the side netting that Bradley had hit although the Met were now looking dangerous in every attack.
In the 27th minute the Met took the lead after a corner was delivered to the far post and knocked back across the box by Rob Bartley where Michael Charles was waiting in the six yard area for a neat finish. The home side pressed hard for an equaliser as we closed on the half time break and the Met needed some good defending to hold their lead. James Aldred and then Steve Sutherland both blocked goal bound efforts in a hectic goalmouth scramble in the 43rd minute. In the last minute of the half a shot from over 20 yards sailed over Stuart Searle and hit the bar and then away for a goal kick.
Half Time Wingate & Finchley 0 Met Police 1
The arctic wind blowing across the ground continued in the second half and was with the Met side as they looked to hold onto the three points. The home side continuously pressed forward looking for that elusive goal but Jim Cooper had set his side up well for this game and they defended as a team. Billy Crook was having another very impressive game in the heart of the midfield and appeared to be always available for the ball.
The home side were dominating possession but in truth rarely troubled Stuart Searle in the Met goal with any clear cut chances despite frequently pushing the Met back. The Met lost Nikki Ahamed to an injury after 55 minutes and he was replaced by Ryan James in midfield. Michael Charles then came off with a slight knock and he was replaced by Jack Knight.
Wingate & Finchley had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down in the 82nd minute when a ball into the box found their striker challenging Rob Bartley for the ball. The Met defender was stronger in the challenge and the home striker fell to the ground which caused many appeals from the home support and bench for a penalty. It sounded a desperate shout and looked as if he had gone to ground far too easily and the referee was unmoved.
As Wingate & Finchley pressed forward they were leaving gaps at the back and in the 88th minute the Met sealed the win. A hopeful ball towards the edge of the Met penalty area was dealt with by Rob Bartley doing exactly what Jim Cooper always says, `defenders should defend first`. Rob did not mess around and his right foot clearance flew deep into the Wingate & Finchley half and possibly aided by the strong wind it sailed over the covering centre half. That left the energetic Jack Knight to power past the defender and race through on goal. He controlled the ball well and placed a right foot shot past the oncoming keeper and into the net.
The Met had secured their first away win of the season and the journey home to leafy Surrey was a lot quicker & happier than the one across London before the game.
1. Stuart Searle 2. Will Salmon © 3. James Aldred 4.Billy Crook 5. Steve Sutherland 6. Rob Bartley 7. Elliot Taylor 8. Tyron Smith 9. Michael Charles 10. Bradley Hudson-Odoi 11. Nikki Ahamed
Subs: 12. Ryan James (replaced 11 – 55 minutes) 14. Jack Knight (replaced 9 – 66 minutes) 15. Nigel Neita 16. Reece Hall 17. Dave Smalley
Man of the Match : Steve Sutherland (Met Police)
Attendance 89

Match details

Match date

Tue 21 Oct 2014

Kickoff

19:45

Attendance

89

Competition

Ryman Premier
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